Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Mozambique to unveil the Matola Monument and Interpretative Centre in remembrance of struggle heroes both from South Africa and Mozambique who were executed during a raid.

On 31 January 1981, the South African Defence Force of the then apartheid government raided the African National Congress safe houses in Matola, Maputo and killed 13 members of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) and one Mozambican national.

President Zuma joined Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to lay wreaths at the grave site in Llhanguene Cemetery.

“The unveiling of the memorial will enable South Africa to pay homage to the fallen soldiers and also acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by the Mozambicans towards a free, non-racial and democratic South Africa,” the Presidency said.

The Monument and the Centre forms part of government's effort to redress the historical imbalances in heritage sites and promotes social cohesion as well as nation building.

They also form part of the Liberation Heritage Route which preserves South Africa's liberation legacy.“South Africa and Mozambique share strong historical and fraternal ties dating back to the time of the fight against colonialism and apartheid,” the Presidency said.

The two countries share strong economic ties and have formed strong historic as well as strategic bilateral relations in the many areas of cooperation over the last two decades.

President Zuma is accompanied by families of the victims, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the Deputy Minister responsible for Military Veterans, Kebby Maphatsoe. – SAnews.gov.za